Describes a string-searching algorithm for multiple patterns in a text string; explains the construction of a pattern-matching machine; presents a theoretical analysis and empirical evidence that supports the sublinearity of the algorithm; and compares this algorithm with the Boyer-Moore algorithm for a single pattern. (Contains 10 references.)…

Describes the process of determining the best book from the Young Adult Library Service's 1994 Best Books for Young Adults list. Examines the rankings of these titles in professional journal reviews, American Library Association book lists, professional journal book lists, and honors/awards. Translates rankings into numerical values for a…

Explains sublanguages in restricted domains in natural language processing and describes methods of comparing sublanguages through Case Hierarchy representation. Highlights include case grammar representations of natural language; case systems of sublanguages; sublanguage comparisons, including matching relationships and mapping relationships; and…

Describes the ERIC system, the ERIC Clearinghouse on Handicapped and Gifted Children (ERIC/CE), and the Exceptional Child Education Resources (ECER) database produced by ERIC/CE's sponsoring agency, the Council for Exceptional Children. Results of a search run on both databases are compared, and ways to avoid duplication of citations are…

Describes how TES, a text extraction system, is able to electronically retrieve a set of sentences from a document to form an indicative abstract. Discusses various text abstraction techniques and related work in the area, provides an overview of the TES system, and compares system results against manually produced abstracts. (LAM)

Describes a study that replicated two earlier studies to determine whether environmental factors of reference departments and behavioral characteristics of references staff members had changed over the past ten years. Results emphasize the need for more and better education and training in conducting reference interviews and providing client…

Describes a study that gathered data on acknowledgements in five leading information science journals from 1991-1999. Compared results with data from two earlier studies of the same journals and confirms that acknowledgements have become an institutionalized element of the scholarly communication process, reflecting the cognitive and structural…

The author compares and analyzes American and Taiwanese maternity care systems, discussing the history of midwifery in Taiwan; the process by which a midwife establishes her practice; and her role in childbirth, abortion, adoption, and other services. (Author/DS)

Examines commercial communications products that offer electronic mail and special interest forums to determine which would best meet the needs of members of Puppeteers of America and UNIMA (Union International de la Marionette). Services and costs of CompuServe, the WELL (Whole Earth Electronic Link), GEnnie, and Prodigy are described. (MES)

Describes a study that used qualitative and quantitative methodologies to analyze differences between Finnish and American Web searchers in their choice of initial search strategies (direct address, subject directory, and search engines) and their reasoning underlying their choices. Considers implications for considering cultural differences in…

Describes a study of 150 university library Web sites in four English speaking countries. Results showed that the visual display of information was similar in all countries, but there were differences in content, including the availability of encyclopedias, request forms, pathfinders, and remote access. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of hypertext for computer-assisted instruction highlights SINS (Semistructured Intelligent Navigation System), a hypertext system that addresses and solves navigation problems common to hypertext environments. The semantic search mechanism of SINS is explained, and SINS is compared with HyperCard using searches performed by veterinary…

Addresses research issues related to the economics of electronic, Internet-based markets. Discusses consumer cost-based differences for traditional and electronic markets; revenue implications for sellers and transaction intermediaries; and results of an empirical, survey-based study of an electronic market in the sports trading-card industry.…

Describes the modular approach created by ChemConnections that involves change in content and pedagogy. Reports on two comparative evaluation studies that assess the impact of the modular approach on students' understanding, reasoning skills, and attitudes toward chemistry. Indicates that modular classroom section students outperformed the…

Contrasts two types of research methodologies based on two modes of apprehension of the educational sphere, phenomenological-subjectivist and scientific-objectivist. Suggests a third, alternative in action-research which establishes a system of dialectic relations between theory and practice. The French ARPEGE action-research project on home and…